From the shotgun, USC's offense has had trouble matching up with the Trojans' defense. The team has no plans to abandon its under-center attack, but it wants to diversify.

"I think we're a ways away," offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said after Saturday morning's practice, only the Trojans' third in the new formation. "Where we're fortunate is, our quarterback, John David Booty, played in the shotgun so much in high school.

"He's a natural back there."

However, even if the transition had been seamless for Booty - the senior admitted he had to re-adjust, after playing under center the past four years - he is not the only one affected.